The organizers of Akwaaba African Travel Market praised the Nigerian government for resolving visa issues for foreign delegates.
Ambassador Ikechi Uko expressed his relief to stakeholders, thanking the government for quickly addressing visa challenges for African visitors. The Ministers of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Tourism, Lola Ade-John, worked alongside Immigration Comptroller General Kemi Nanna Nandap to resolve the issue. Their collective effort not only benefits Akwaaba but also all African visitors entering Nigeria.
“I made a post expressing my frustrations with the visa issues faced by my delegates coming from across Africa. I had complained that the online visa-on-arrival process was not only expensive but that Nigerian embassies in East Africa weren’t issuing visas, forcing everyone to rely on the online system. Fortunately, some people shared my post with the Minister of Tourism, who promptly called me to understand the details. After I explained the situation, she assured me that she would work with the Minister of Interior to address the issue.
Resolution:
Uko said, “I am pleased that the Ministers of Interior and Tourism, along with Immigration, collaboratively resolved the visa problems. My first delegates are arriving now, and I am delighted that the resolution benefits more than just my event. Moving forward, these new measures will benefit all African visitors traveling to Nigeria, ensuring smoother entry processes.”
Moreover, the government’s support to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) is crucial. Uko emphasized his appreciation for this intervention, as it marks the first direct government support for the event.
As Nigeria reviews its visa processes, officials will soon introduce new measures. Although many have complained about the expensive visa-on-arrival program, this recent action marks significant progress. Also, organizers have scheduled the Akwaaba African Travel Market for September 22 to 24 at the Eko Hotels Convention Centre. The commendation for the Nigerian government for resolving visa issues is a propeller to motivate more of such actions.
